Hagar's Manifesto | Genesis: Primeval Atoms & Adams pt. 4

The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

Sunday Morning poem by D. Fretter

Great Is Your Faithfulness sung by Kareem Adly

Message | Ishmael, the God Who Hears

In the stories of Genesis, a character shows up twice and is only given two lines. In these two lines, Hagar, an enslaved Egyptian, gives a name to the God of Israel. This name will affect how God could be understood. It is in the strength of these quiet voices that Genesis shifts, creating space for those outside the controlling narrative.  Join us as we sit in Genesis 16 to experience the wisdom of Hagar.

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of Hagar in Genesis, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

Hagar has two lines in the entire Bible, and yet, her experience names God. How does naming God from personal experience affect your understanding of God’s name?

What systems kept her wisdom from effecting the main story?

(Heart)

Often, we only pay attention to Abram, or the commonly heard, narrative. Can you name a time when your understanding was affected by those outside the main or commonly heard narrative? How did it challenge or change you? Did it affect your view of Jesus?

(Hands)

How can we intentionally engage Hagar’s voice? Where do we hear her in people today?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Flooded with Regret | Genesis: Primeval Atoms & Adams pt. 3

The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

SOAP Reflection | Mikhaila Tobin

Coffee Roasting | Ryan Tang

Message | Flooded with Regret

This week we stop and explore the story of the flood in Genesis. It is one of the most ancient stories told around the world. It is another story we have heard so often from childhood that we think we know it by heart. It is a story of un-creation that is told intentionally contrasted to the creation stories we read earlier in Genesis. Today, however, we will explore a theme in the story that is not often brought to the surface. What happens when God repents?

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of the Flood in Genesis, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

The story of "Noah and the Flood" is a story in which all of creation is broken, and God, the creator, also seems to be facing brokenness. In this story, the creator of all things becomes the destroyer of all things. What are some images of God that this story challenges for you? Why?

In this story, we see God go from creator to destroyer, and at the end of the story, we see God repent of the destruction God brought about. What does the idea of God repenting provoke in you? Why?

(Heart)

How do you wrestle with the tension of creation, un-creation, and new-creation in your own life?

Does the image of the waters of chaos barely held at bay, and at times seeping into the world resonate with you? If so, where does chaos, or un-creation threaten to flow into your life?

(Hands)

How does repentance open the door for new possibilities in your life?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Blessed Mother | Genesis: Primeval Atoms & Adams pt. 2

The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

The Shared Story

I Just Wanna Live | Keedron Byrant ft. Jonny Tobin

I Can’t Breathe | Sunia Gibbs

Poetry | Drew Jackson

At Your Name | Kareem Adly

Message | Blessed Mother

Our stories shape us, giving our imagination material to dream about possible futures. However, there are times when other people assume the right to control our narrative and delimit our hopes. This is what happened to Eve. The Church fathers, men in the early Church, used Eve's story to inhibit a woman's ability to lead within Christianity. Join us as we walk through Eden to discover Eve's wisdom through the voices of her daughters.

Formational Learning

As we explored the story of Eve in Genesis, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

Eve's story has been used to limit the role of women throughout the history of the Church, inhibiting their ability to influence groups. How have you seen this shape or playout within your experience of the Church?

How do we wrestle with 1 Timothy using Eve to delimit women?

(Heart)

Have you ever missed someone's voice, unable to hear what they are saying because you were trying to speak for them rather than listen to them?

(Hands)

Genesis and 1 Timothy are two examples of telling Eve's story. How do we create space to listen to both while protecting the vulnerable in the community?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

The Stories In-Between Chaos & Creation | Genesis: Primeval Atoms & Adams pt. 1

The book of Genesis takes us from the primeval atom to Adam and narratively carries us through some of the most formational stories of our faith. So many of us grew up hearing these stories in ways that captured our imaginations as children but left us wanting as we began to engage them critically. Over the next few weeks, our community will engage in a conversation that takes a fresh look at these stories to create space for them to be subverted and reimagined as they offer us a new way forward. 

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Amen.

Message Synopsis

This week we look at the creation narratives of Genesis. We explore how the poetry of Genesis one creates space for us to imagine God hovering over the primordial waters of chaos, bringing forth life. At the same time, the story found in Genesis two introduces us to the intimacy of God, who creates humanity with intention and purpose.

Formational Learning

As we explored these two ancient stories of creation in Genesis one and two, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through these stories?

(Head)

Many stories that seek to answer the questions of “where do we come from, and what is our purpose?” How do the two stories found in Genesis chapters one and two answer those questions?

(Heart)

The idea that our stories expand when encountering other stories is one that challenges our need to defend our story as the sole story. How has your story been expanded by encounter new and other stories around you?

(Hands)

Genesis two invites us to find our purpose in this world as co-creators with God who help create the conditions for life to flourish. How can you participate in creating space/s where life flourishes because of your presence?

Our Benediction

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you;

may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm;

may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you;

may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.*

*Claiborne, Shane. Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals (p. 52). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

I'm Upset | Started from the Bottom pt. 4

In the biblical narrative, we often see God use the unexpected and unimportant to bring about change in the world. The story of Jesus, his birth, life, death, and resurrection, is no different. Our new conversation, Started from the Bottom, is an exploration of the good news according to Matthew. Over the next few weeks, we will look at snapshots from the book of Matthew that exemplify the good news found in the story of Jesus.

This week we explore how the stories we carry with us shape the kind of world we can inhabit. Yet, their ability to shape us is not overly determined. Our ability to listen to different stories helps our own story remain malleable, which allows new voices to affect how they are understood and lived out. Walking through the last days of Jesus, we will reveal how Matthew's Jesus reshaped their ancient hope to reveal a better way forward.

Formational Learning:

As we explored this scene from Matthew’s telling of the Jesus story, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through this passage today?

(Head)

Jesus challenged the widely believed story that fighting culture, be it Jerusalem or Rome, was inevitable. Jesus did this while celebrating the parts of their shared stories that recognized their common humanity. What stories do we need to rethink or stop carrying with us, to free us to follow Jesus' way forward?

John Caputo says that we must learn to own our tradition so that it no longer owns us, what parts of our tradition can we celebrate?

(Heart)

Have you experienced a moment like Peter, where you sacrificed so much, only to discover that you were chasing Barabbas and not Christ? How did you respond to this discovery?

(Hands)

Jesus never left his tradition. He stayed connected in vulnerability to show a better ending. How can we stay connected while honoring the call to vulnerability and our need for healthy relationships/systems?

God's Plan | Started from the Bottom pt. 3

In the biblical narrative, we often see God use the unexpected and unimportant to bring about change in the world. The story of Jesus, his birth, life, death, and resurrection, is no different. Our new conversation, Started from the Bottom, is an exploration of the good news according to Matthew. Over the next few weeks, we will look at snapshots from the book of Matthew that exemplify the good news found in the story of Jesus.

This week we join in on an ancient conversation about the kingdom of heaven. In the book of Matthew, the good news is that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, as seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What is the kingdom of heaven, and how do we participate in it? 

Formational Learning:

As we explored wisdom today, what stood out to you?

Were there any points of curiosity, clarity, confusion, or conflict that emerged as you walked through this passage today?

(Head)

John, Jesus, and the disciples all proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven is near, how do we wrestle with the reality that it is easy to miss? 

(Heart)

Where have you experienced or seen the kingdom of heaven around you?

How has this influenced the way you understood faith or live?

(Hands)

How can we proclaim and participate in the kingdom of heaven here and now? 

Doing It Wrong | Started from the Bottom pt. 2

In the biblical narrative, we often see God use the unexpected and unimportant to bring about change in the world. The story of Jesus, his birth, life, death, and resurrection, is no different. Our new conversation, Started from the Bottom, is an exploration of the good news according to Matthew. Over the next few weeks, we will look at snapshots from the book of Matthew that exemplify the good news found in the story of Jesus.

This week we join Christ between two armies. When Jesus comes into the world joining the people of Israel, there was already a story that needed an ending. Like many underdog stories, this one could only imagine an end that makes all enemies pay for their injustices. With Rome, that would be an incomprehensible sum. However, Jesus wanted to change the script by exposing the “needed” enemy and bringing both parties to a table between two mountains, between the empires of Rome and Jerusalem. Jesus couldn’t be the violent warrior they wanted because he created uncomfortable space for all people to be present at the same table while exposing injustice. It is in this uncomfortable space that the kingdom becomes tangible. 

Jesus couldn’t be the conquer the Romans could recognize, and Israel desired. He offered a more revolutionary idea by claiming Roman and Jewish people would be at the feast of Abraham. 

Formational Learning:

(Head)

What kind of messiah, savior, are we, or our traditions, looking for? 

How does sitting at a table between Rome and Jerusalem challenge or change that image?

(Heart)

What idea of Jesus did you first say yes to?

How has this influenced the way you understood faith or lives? 

(Hands)

What steps can we take to invite people into a better and more expansive story?

What Would Drake Say About the Birth of Jesus | Started from the Bottom pt. 1 | A Sunday Liturgy

In the biblical narrative, we often see God use the unexpected and unimportant to bring about change in the world. The story of Jesus, his birth, life, death, and resurrection, is no different. Our new conversation, Started from the Bottom, is an exploration of the good news according to Matthew. Over the next few weeks, we will look at snapshots from the book of Matthew that exemplify the good news found in the story of Jesus.

This week we are exploring the women found in Jesus’ genealogy. What do these women have to say about how God works? What lessons can we learn from looking at their lives in the context of Jesus’ birth? 

Formational Learning:

(Head)

The fact that Matthew includes these five women in the history of Jesus’ ancestors tells us that God often works through the unexpected and the powerless in society. In what ways is this goods news?

(Heart)

Who are the unexpected and powerless in your world? In what ways could the story of Jesus possibly find a voice through them? 

(Hands)

How can we begin to let go of our notions of power and start to participate in the possibility of new life in light of Jesus? 

Control Alt Delete (Reset) | The SOAP Sessions

Rhythms are the grooves in the record that allow the music of our lives to find expression. The record begins to skip when the rhythm is disrupted, but we can find ways to fix the vinyl. We are in a season where society as a collective has found their well-worn grooves skipping. Sometimes the disruption is a good thing; it creates space for us to make grooves and to rediscover old ones. One of the rhythms that we have at FōS is SOAP, a daily plan for reading the Bible and journaling our reflections. SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you want to join us in our rhythm of SOAP, you can find more information here (fos.church/soapdaily-readings). Our series over the next few weeks is called "The SOAP Sessions," and will consist of messages pulled from our daily reflections. 

This week Glenn leads us through a conversation about learning to let go of our need for control and learn to lead from trust and vulnerability.

Formational Learning:

(Head)

• Paul leads from a place of weakness and vulnerability as he addresses the people in Corinth, what does leading from weakness and vulnerability look like for Paul?

(Heart)

• Can you name a time you needed to address conflict?

• What is different when I invest myself into community starting with vulnerability rather than control or defense?

(Hands)

• How do you empower yourself or others to face uncomfortable conversations from a place of vulnerability?

EMPTY | The Possibility of Empty Temples & Empty Tombs

We take a break this week from our current conversation series, “The SOAP Sessions, to focus on Resurrection Sunday, also referred to commonly as Easter. As we move through our Sunday Liturgy, you will notice that it is poly-centric finding anchorage in three themes. Disruption/death, disorientation, and new possibility/resurrection are the three themes that help us along our journey. In the death of Jesus, we see the loss of expectations and hope, and in the mystery of the empty tomb we find new possibility and new hope. 

Before the cross, the hope of God’s people lays in the belief that God was present in the Temple. In this way, the Temple served to remind the people that one could draw near to God. But in the shadow of the cross and the reality of an occupied tomb, the Temple is laid bare; God is no longer there. It is this revelation that sees the story shift. On the third day, the tomb is empty; Jesus is no longer there. So it is in the reality of the empty Temple and the empty tomb that we find the possibility of God present with us

Formational Learning:

(Head)

Jesus dying on the cross represents the failed dreams of his followers. What do we do with the moments of disruption and disappointment in our hope and dreams for God?

(Heart)

We all find ourselves standing in front of the empty tomb, pondering the possibility of new life. What are your stories of encountering the risen Jesus? 

(Hands)

How do we allow our experience of the risen Jesus to help us point others towards the new possibility and hope of the risen Jesus?